Nippon Taka Pepper Seeds – Japanese Hot Chili | Upright Red Pods (Capsicum annuum)

Nippon Taka is a classic Japanese hot chili — a Capsicum annuum prized in Asian cuisine for its slender, upright-growing bright red pods and clean, sharp heat. An essential ingredient for authentic Japanese cooking, excellent for drying whole, crushing into chili flakes, or using fresh in stir-fries and dipping sauces. Doubles beautifully as a striking ornamental plant.

Variety Details

• Species: Capsicum annuum
• Origin: Japan
• Pod Description: Slender, upright-growing, bright red at maturity
• Flavor: Clean, sharp heat — classic Japanese chili character
• Heat Level: Hot
• Best Use: Drying, chili flakes, stir-fries, dipping sauces, ornamental

Starting Seeds

• Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost
• Sow ¼ inch deep in organic seed-starting mix
• Germination temperature: 75–85°F — heat mat recommended
• Germination time: 2–4 weeks
• Transplant outdoors after last frost when soil is consistently warm (>75°F)
• Avoid jiffy peat pots or standard potting soil

Growing Tips

• Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost
• Space plants 2 feet apart in rows 2–3 feet apart
• Water 1 inch per week; mulch 1–2 inches around the base to retain moisture
• Feed with compost tea every 2–3 weeks during early growth
• Grows well in 5-gallon containers year-round

Harvest

Harvest when pods turn fully red. Cut with scissors and pick regularly to encourage continuous fruiting. Dry whole pods on a rack or hang in bunches for use as chili flakes or a stunning kitchen display.